Category: Motorcycles

Robert and I first crossed paths just outside of San Jose, California on a group ride down to Death Valley back in 2008. We were a jolly group of 30 set out on President’s day weekend. Many of us didn’t know each other but by the end of those 5 days we all shared our... Continue Reading →

I walked into the garage a few weeks ago and I noticed a few "motorcycle tears" on the garage floor. On closer inspection, the right fork was leaking. It was more a small weep than a full out leak, but it was a leak none the less. Combined with the backfire and lack of riding... Continue Reading →

I had two great days up in Lake Tahoe experiencing very different coworking spaces. Before that, I’ve been to a couple of different coworking spaces where I’ve stayed over in certain cities and extra day or two. I find that in coworking spaces I'm much more productive for me than sitting in a hotel room... Continue Reading →

The back story For much of my childhood I’ve always had a subscription to a motorcycle magazine. Cycle World dominated a lot of my teenage years. As I started to do more touring on my motorcycle, my subscription shifted to Rider Magazine. Every year each motorcycle magazine has their own “motorcycle of the year.” Rider... Continue Reading →

Last year was the first year I was able to attend the South Bay Riders’ Toy Ride. Mike, a longtime motorcyclist here in the Bay Area, organizes this ride. Each rider is to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys For Tots program. Some riders come out in full regalia, others with a touch of... Continue Reading →

Where did this year go! It didn’t seem that long ago that I was writing the article “A Rider Greets Autumn.” Unlike other years, this year has not been one for motorcycling. My bike sat in the garage over the entire winter while I was in Sydney, Australia. I’ve been traveling a lot by plane and... Continue Reading →

I got a question from one of my subscribers about my thoughts on choosing a motorcycle. I wanted to take a few moments and share things I've learned along the way that others may be able to use as guidance. The early days Motorcycles have always fascinated me. I can remember as early as elementary... Continue Reading →

After three months in Australia I was ready to get back on my own motorcycle. I was tired of storing a motorcycle and now ready to ride one. I didn't fully winterize the bike as this is the Bay Area has it doesn't get particularly cold. I really only did a few things to the... Continue Reading →

My roommate had mentioned he left his motorcycle at his mates place last night so that he wouldn't have to ride home under the influence of alcohol. New South Wales has fairly strict guidelines for what constitutes a DUI. Here in New South Wales the legal limit is 0.05 whereas in the United States it's... Continue Reading →

Each December Mike organizes the SBR Toy Ride in conjunction with the San Mateo County fire Department. Each rider is to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need during the Christmas season. I’ve never been able to do this ride until this year. I’m almost always on a plane back home to... Continue Reading →

It’s not been a great week for tires. I knew I had some type of leak in the rear tire on the motorcycle as it was flat the same day the battery died. Reminder: give your motorcycle love in all seasons. I put the bike on its center stand and spun the rear wheel looking... Continue Reading →

Riding to work this morning reminded me of one of my favorite movies growing up - The Breakfast Club. Why? My motorcycle was screaming the refrain from the theme song: “Don’t You Forget About Me.” I forgot about my bike due to the busyness of life. Here in the Bay Area it’s a year-round riding... Continue Reading →

Weather is a changin' Every rider once a year has that ride where he knows the weather as fully transitioned from warm weather to cool weather for the year. As motorcyclists we are fully in the weather. Going places means experiencing all that that place has to offer as well as everything in between. The... Continue Reading →

A better way to measure riding I’m continually impressed with how capable the iPhone is when it comes to integrating into my daily life. Sure, it’s a web browser, email reader, social networking time waster. It does however have some pretty cool applications though. With Navigon, I’ve replaced my standalone GPS. The iPhone tracks the... Continue Reading →

It was refreshing to see the crowd at the International Motorcycle Show this year in San Mateo. Ever since 2008, there’s been a steady decline in the manufacturer presence, inventory, and enthusiasm around the motorcycle show. I know a good portion of it has to do with the economy as money has been tight. This... Continue Reading →

John Ryan was an exceptional individual. He pushed the boundaries of motorcycling time and time again with his involvement in the Iron Butt Association. He came to San Francisco to speak about his adventures which truly inspired me. I’ve met many long-distance riders over the years. What impressed upon me about John was not only... Continue Reading →

Danke Schön Somehow, saying goodbye never gets any easier. I can remember hearing as a little kid that my grandmother passed. My dad came into the room where we were watching TV and told us that grandmother would no longer be with us anymore. Looking back on it, it was clear that I really didn’t... Continue Reading →

I walked into the garage and didn't realize how much time had passed. About eight weeks ago I slipped on a Dell keyboard and my foot slammed into the television stand. I took a hard fall and sprained my ankle badly. I knew that it was going to be a long haul as joint injuries... Continue Reading →

One of the riders this weekend offered his BMW S 1000 RR to ride after lunch. Compared to my bike, this motorcycle is a finely tuned corner carving machine. In contrast my bike is the Japanese tractor that lumbers along the roadway. I've only ridden such a bike a few times before. The most recent... Continue Reading →